Skip to main content.
WKREDA Logo
  • Facebook
  • X-twitter
  • Linkedin
  • Toggle navigation Toggle Navigation
    • About
      • What is WKREDA?
      • Join WKREDA Today
      • Our Members
      • WKREDA News
      • Quarterly WKREDA Conference Registrations
      • Member Login
      • Regional Events
        • Submit an Event
      • Conference Archive
    • Committees
      • Board of Directors
      • Legislative
        • Legislative Positions 2023
        • Legislative Positions 2022
        • Legislative Positions 2021
        • Legislative Positions Archive
      • Agriculture
      • Workforce
      • Marketing
      • Professional Development
    • Our Area
      • Area ESRI Information
      • Western Kansas Resources
      • Tourism
      • Dairy Initiative
      • Western Kansas Jobs
    • Site Selection
    • Assistance
      • Incentive Programs
      • Financing Alternatives
      • Training Programs
    • Sponsorship Opportunities
      • Sponsors
        • Titanium Sponsors
        • Gold Sponsors
        • Silver Sponsors
        • Bronze Sponsors
    • Contact
    wKREDA News

    WKREDA News

    1. Home
    2. About
    3. Wkreda News
    4. Kansas Air Tour Stops In Rooks County
    • Facebook
    • Twitter
    • LinkedIn
    • Email
    • Print
    Translate
    Search Icon
    Kansas Air Tour Stops in Rooks County main photo

    Kansas Air Tour Stops in Rooks County

    October 14, 2016

    The 2016 version of the Kansas Air Tour made a stop at Rooks County Regional Airport (RCP) on Thursday, September 29.  Nearly 30 planes made trip from Great Bend to RCP, which was the second leg on the first day of the three-day event.  The planes began arriving at around 1:15 p.m. and began departing at 2:30 p.m. to leave for their overnight stay in Dodge City.   Other stops on the tour included Scott City, Colby, Salina, Topeka, and Newton.  The tour began in Wellington.

    The purpose of the tour is educational, and over 150 elementary students from all of the Rooks County schools and a few from Ellis County enjoyed watching the planes arrive and depart.  The students were given the opportunity to talk with the pilots and even get inside some of the planes. 

    Economic Development Director Roger Hrabe stated that many of the students are still talking about their experience.  “I had a number of parents tell me later in the day that their child was still excited about the day and all they learned” Hrabe stated.  “The pilots were also very appreciative and had fun day.”

    Before talking to the pilots, the students were given the opportunity to ask questions of Dr. Dan Sanchez from Rooks County Health Center about the importance that aviation and the airport have in the day-to-day operation of the hospital.  Jonathan Berkley from Solutions North Bank in Stockton echoed those comments when he spoke about the importance of using the airport to reach the multiple bank locations of SNB. 

    Merrill Atwater, Director of Aviation for the Kansas Department of Transportation addressed the students about how important aviation is to the state of Kansas and thanked them all for coming.

    The fly-in was also a big treat for over 100 adults that took the time to come out to the airport.  The pilots took time to visit with many of the spectators and give them information about the planes themselves.   Many people were especially interested in the WW2 trainer (51) that was used to train pilots during the war.

    Upon departing, all of the students and pilots were given a gift bag to remember their visit.  Thank you to the sponsors who made that possible:  Rooks County Economic Development, Rooks County Health Center, Solutions North Bank, Nex-Tech, Rooks County Airport Commission, and the Rooks County Commission.

    Content Image

    Why Kansas?

    13

    Nationally in Labor Participation

    90

    Residents with High School Diploma

    34

    Residents with Bachelor's Degree or Higher

    1

    of 28 Right-to-Work States

    WKREDA Icon
    WKREDA P.O. Box 980 Hays, KS 67601 Phone: (800) 982-3501 wkreda.ks@gmail.com
  • Home
  • Site Map
  • Contact
  • Copyright © 2025 WKREDA. All rights reserved. Economic Development Websites by Golden Shovel Agency.
    Member Login
    View Custom Report